Robert D Arnold

Born October 15, 1926 in Pekin to Adolph Theodore and Anna Marie (Sheppard) Arnold, he married Alma L. Harding on November 15, 1946 in Pekin. She died June 24, 1968 in Peoria. He later married Evelyn Guthrie on May 12, 1972 in Rock Island. She survives.

Also surviving are five sons, John R. (Debbie) Arnold of Pekin, Adolph F. (Debbie) Arnold of East Peoria, Frank E. (Ruthie) McClary, Thomas L. (Beverly) McClary of Morton, and Harvey W. (Mary Ann) McClary of Pekin; four daughters, Joan R. (Paul) Browning of Pekin, Angela M. (Steve Benassi) Price of North Pekin, Ruth A. (Don) Durbin of Pekin, and Edna F. Butler of Marquette Heights; one daughter-in-law, Pam McClary of Pekin; thirty-six grandchildren, including David McClary of Douglas, Wyoming who he helped raise; seventy-five great-grandchildren; seventy-three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Rosemary M. (William) Schnitker of Pekin; and caregivers, Christal Hodge and Michelle Van Fossan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, one infant son (Jon R. Arnold), one step-son (John R. "Roger" McClary), and three sisters.

A United States Army veteran of World War II, he served from February 17, 1945 to December 1, 1946. He attained the rank of Private First Class and had served in the Philippines.

Working 26 years as a lather out of Lathers Local 36 in Peoria, Bob first worked for Kinsella Plastering and last as a foreman for O. Frank Heinz Construction, both in Peoria. He then worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 14 years, retiring November 1, 1986 as an assembler at the Mossville plant.

He was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, the Caterpillar Retirees Club, and United Autoworkers Local #974 Retirees Club. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus Archbishop Schlarman Council #3507, Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1232, and the William Schaefer American Legion Post #44, all in Pekin.

Bob enjoyed fishing and was an avid woodworker.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 7, 2006at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Father David Whiteside will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded by the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team and the United States Army.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Light Hospice or to the charity of the donor's choice.